The geographical distribution of intermediate imports of goods and services shows that in value the largest transactions are within and among three regions: Europe, North America and Asia. In the OECD area most inputs are sourced from within the OECD area; when accession countries and enhanced engagement economies are added, about 85% of trade flows are accounted for.

Intra-regional imports are generally higher than inter-regional imports. Europe has the most intra-regional trade in value. The results include all trade flows between EU countries, which significantly increases the value of Europe's intra-industry trade. Large intra-regional trade is also found for Asia and North America.

The largest inter-regional flow of intermediate goods is exports from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia, and includes primary resources such as oil or gas. Nevertheless, overall trade in intermediate inputs is mostly between developed countries; flows with regions with developing economies are very small.

Asian countries seem to trade relatively more manufacturing intermediates. Asia is a net exporter of intermediate goods to Europe and North America.

North America and Europe trade more services inputs than Asia and are also important exporters and importers of intermediate goods. Between Europe and North America, the pattern is the opposite for goods and services. Europe imports more intermediate services from North America but exports more intermediate goods.